John must revisit another part of his past to keep Zach safe from the Program. Sera learns more about the man who became "her" John Murdock. Written by Cody Martin and Mercedes Lackey. Read by Veronica Giguere

John and Sera have exhausted nearly all of their resources in their search for Zach Marlowe, but a tip from 8-Ball puts them on a path that John knows all too well. Written by Cody Martin and Mercedes Lackey. Read by Veronica Giguere

New threats require new strategies, and it's up to John and Sera to work together to keep the Thulians on their toes. Also, never underestimate the power of chicken and waffles. Written by Cody Martin and Mercedes Lackey. Read by Veronica Giguere

The Thulians have intensified their attacks following the collapse of Metis, resulting in deadly consequences. John Murdock and the Seraphym must find a way to meet this threat head on. Written by Cody Martin and Mercedes Lackey. Read by Veronica Giguere

Vickie manages the last pieces of the mathemagical solution for Marconi and Tesla. Meanwhile, a goddess brings a deserving mortal back from the depths. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Veronica Giguere. Read by Veronica Giguere

Vickie connects with new informants to learn more about threats facing them after Metis. Other threats continue to lurk in the shadows. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Dennis Lee. Read by Veronica Giguere

Vickie's skills and desire to create a new 'home' for 8-Ball have some unseen and profound effects. She calls upon John and Sera for advice of a metaphysical sort. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

Ramona Ferrari and Mercurye have brought Tesla and Marconi to relative safety, but it's only a temporary fix. Science may not be the only solution. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Veronica Giguere. Read by Veronica Giguere

In the aftermath, it's up to Vickie and Bella, with a little help from 8-Ball, to figure out where to relocate the survivors of Metis. Meanwhile, John and Sera figure out what to do next. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

Metis has fallen. Although they guard Vickie in Atlanta, John and Sera experience the horror felt by their comrades on that fateful day. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

With the Metisian delegation interrupted and Metis in shambles, our heroes race to save precious lives, but not without paying a great price. Written by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Veronica Giguere. Read by Veronica Giguere

The combined delegation from ECHO, CCCP, and others represented during recent battles arrive in Metis to make a case for a stronger alliance against the Thulians. Written by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Veronica Giguere. Read by Veronica Giguere

As hope surges, new threats emerge and others must step forward to lead. Our heroes fight in the air, in the streets, and among themselves. Written by Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Mercedes Lackey. Read by Veronica Giguere

While forces topside struggle to hold a crumbling line, the team on the inside must trust in the sacrifice of one of their own. Written by Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Mercedes Lackey. Read by Veronica Giguere

The teams push toward the enemy stronghold, some two steps forward and others one step back, and all on trust and faith. Written by Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Mercedes Lackey. Read by Veronica Giguere

ECHO, the CCCP, and the rest of the united forces move into place. Some are prepared, others are not, and mistakes may come at great cost. Written by Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Mercedes Lackey. Read by Veronica Giguere

The forces of the world unite against the threat discovered at Ultima Thule. Teams coordinate under the command of a new leader. Written by Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Mercedes Lackey. Read by Veronica Giguere

A little bit of intel leads to a monumental discovery, but getting inside could pose a problem. What's the metahuman solution to this conundrum? Written by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

A discovery outside of Atlanta requires a particular set of skills. Enter the anarchist, the once-angel, and two Soviet metahumans. What could go wrong? Written by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

Bella and Vickie rely on Mel in her new role as ECHO assistant, while Djinni starts to rely on Mel for something more. Written by Dennis Lee, Veronica Giguere, Mercedes Lackey, and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

At Normality, Mel plays the good bartender with the 'regulars' and learns a little more about Red Djinni. Djinni learns a little more about Mel, too. Written by Dennis Lee, Veronica Giguere, Mercedes Lackey, and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

Ramona figures that she has the best chance to argue for Metis to aid ECHO as the Thulian threat looms closer to home. Bella agrees, so it's time for Steel Maiden to take a little trip. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Veronica Giguere. Read by Veronica Giguere

Bella and Spin Doctor turn the tables on Ramona and Red Saviour to put out some new propaganda for ECHO and CCCP and pique the curiosity of their enemies. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Veronica Giguere. Read by Veronica Giguere

John and Sera are sent out together on patrol to face down a Thulian cell. In the aftermath, they discuss the merits of burritos and other complex ideas. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

John Murdock finishes a little light reading. He seeks out Sera to answer some questions they have about what was, and what might be. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

The metahumans of Atlanta prove their mettle against the Thulian threat, but the moments after the battle are the most telling for the victors. Written by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Veronica Giguere. Read by Veronica Giguere

In the heat of the battle, our heroes rise to the challenge. With the help of Overwatch, Atlanta might be able to stand against the Thulian threat. Written by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Veronica Giguere. Read by Veronica Giguere

Just when it seems like everything is getting back to some bit of normalcy, evil rises from the rubble and forces the metahumans of Atlanta to defend their city. Written by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, Dennis Lee, and Veronica Giguere. Read by Veronica Giguere

A new hangout for the metahumans of ECHO and CCCP provides a backdrop for old friends, new allies, and the ever-entertaining Soviet Bear. Written by Mercedes Lackey, Dennis Lee, Cody Martin, and Veronica Giguere. Read by Veronica Giguere

Ramona has a heart to heart with the Seraphym on the rooftop of the CCCP HQ. While not quite a shoulder to cry on, Ramona does provide some insight about the benefits of Free Will. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Veronica Giguere. Read by Veronica Giguere

Scope hasn't been the same since that last battle in the MARTA tunnels. Bella and Bulwark try a dangerous last resort to get her back as a part of the team. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Dennis Lee. Read by Veronica Giguere

Vickie uses a little mathemagic to help John Murdock realize who he was and who he is. In spite of his humble protests, Johnny is not a simple man by any stretch of the imagination. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

Charged with the education of John Murdock, it's up to Vickie to use technology, magic, and common sense to help him learn about the past eight years of his life with the CCCP. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

The CCCP discovers a bewildered John Murdock in the middle of the breakroom. Unfortunately, he is not altogether there, in both the best and worst of ways. What's a Commissar, a CEO, and a technoshaman to do? Written by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

The combined forces of Echo and CCCP make the final push to cripple the Thulians, and our heroes are pushed to the brink. Written by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, and Dennis Lee. Read by Veronica Giguere

Every person has their part in the overthrow of the Thulians, with Victoria Victrix conducting the tactical symphony at breakneck speed. Written by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, and Dennis Lee. Read by Veronica Giguere

Our heroes make their sacrifices to drive Verdigris back, reclaiming the organization championed by Tesla. Beware the Ides of March. Written by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, and Dennis Lee. Read by Veronica Giguere

Overwatch is coordinating the response to Verdigris' surprise. The CCCP is ready to assist, as well as some old friends. Written by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, and Dennis Lee. Read by Veronica Giguere

To commemorate the anniversary of the Invasion, Verdigris has planned something big. It's up to the heroes of Echo and CCCP to be ready. Written by Mercedes Lackey, Cody Martin, and Dennis Lee. Read by Veronica Giguere

The Commissar has learned of the General's deception. She sends Comrade Murdock on a deadly errand; although he doesn't like the orders, he knows that Shen Xue is a threat to the CCCP, ECHO, and their efforts against the Thulians. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

This story originally appeared as part of the City of Stories podcast, presented by Mint Condition, in 2006. We don't claim any ownership of the story or place it within the SWC 'verse or canon... we just offer it as a way to share the legacy of Tre Chipman, Ascendant. Originally broadcast as part of City of Stories, Issue 3.

The cavalry arrives! Our villain is faced with an unlikely trio of rescuers, while Vickie employs some very special language when speaking to the Djinni. Written by Dennis Lee and Mercedes Lackey. Read by Veronica Giguere

With Djinni in a special kind of trouble, Vickie can only sit by and listen as they figure out how to get him out of THIS one. And why is Bulwark being so bullish? Written by Dennis Lee and Mercedes Lackey. Read by Veronica Giguere

Bella works to heal the Djinni, but she remains torn as to where she stands with him, and Vickie's accidental eavesdropping doesn't help. Written by Dennis Lee and Mercedes Lackey. Read by Veronica Giguere

Vickie and Djinni swap stories about their respective run-ins with magic, fire, and loss as they wait for Blacksnake to begin a deadly trade with the Rebs. Written by Dennis Lee and Mercedes Lackey. Read by Veronica Giguere

It's Verd's party, but Khanjar doesn't seem to want to celebrate, leaving Verdigris to contemplate his next move using her as well as People's Blade. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

Verdigris sends the General on an errand as a test for a larger plan. Needless to say, the General is not amused by the barbarian's games. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Cody Martin. Read by Veronica Giguere

Vickie clings to the thread that ties her to the physical world in the hope that she and Djinni can undo Harmony's damage to Bulwark. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Dennis Lee. Read by Veronica Giguere

Magic may be the only way to save Bulwark, but will it work if Djinni holds the frayed end of Vickie's rope as she leaps into the void? Written by Mercedes Lackey and Dennis Lee. Read by Veronica Giguere

The combined efforts of Echo's medics and CCCP's best doctors may not be enough to save Bulwark. At least, not without a little magic. Written by Mercedes Lackey and Dennis Lee. Read by Veronica Giguere

The stories of the metahuman struggle against the Thulian menace continue in the ongoing podcast of The Secret World Chronicle, a series published by Baen Books. Famed fantasy and sci-fi author Mercedes Lackey and returning authors Dennis Lee and Cody Martin are joined by artist and fantasy author Larry Dixon and voice talent/author Veronica Giguere as they continue this podcast in the braided novel tradition. Cover art done by Adam Mancilla.